Stress affects all aspects of our lives, from mental well-being to physical health. Many people are aware that stress can impact their physical well-being, but few realise that it can also significantly affect their oral health. Some dental problems may be overlooked until they become serious health issues. Therefore, understanding the influence of stress on your gums and teeth, along with addressing related health challenges, plays a crucial role in preserving optimal dental health.
Bruxism or Teeth Grinding. Some people who are stressed may grind their teeth or clench their jaw. These actions can cause headaches, jaw pain and tooth damage.Many are not aware of this because it occurs during sleep. So, if this is left unnoticed and untreated, it can lead to restorative dental care like tooth extraction, fillings, and crowns.
Gum Disease and Inflammation. If you are stressed, your immune system weakens, and your body is prone to infections like gum disease, which cause bleeding, redness and swelling. Sometimes, oral hygiene routines like flossing and brushing are forgotten, and this can expose you to cortisol, a hormone that leads to inflammation, thus causing dental issues over time.
Dry Mouth. Xerostomia or dry mouth is caused by stress and impacts oral health. If you are stressed, your flow of saliva is affected, and saliva is important in washing away food particles, neutralising acids, and preventing tooth decay by keeping a balanced pH in your mouth.
Thus, when you are stressed and experiencing dry mouth, the lack of saliva exposes you to an increased risk of cavities and difficulty in chewing or swallowing, making you uncomfortable.
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If you notice persistent dryness in your mouth, it’s important to consult a dentist. There are treatments available to help stimulate saliva production, such as drinking more water, using special mouth rinses, or even prescribed medication.
Canker Sores and Other Oral Issues. This condition is triggered by stress. The small and painful ulcers on the mouth’s inside may not be dangerous, but it can make you feel uncomfortable. It appears when you have a weak immune system. Fortunately, this condition heals in a week or two but must be managed by taking over-the-counter medicines.
Dealing with Stress for Better Oral Health
It is crucial to deal with stress effectively so that your oral health will be properly managed too. Beseen provides some ideas on how you can minimise stress and protect your teeth.
- Practice relaxation techniques – meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga relieves you from stress and eliminates the effects it can have on your body.
- Maintain a healthy routine – protect your oral health at all costs, so eat a balanced diet, have regular exercise, and get enough hours of sleep so your stress levels will be reduced.
- Stay on top of oral hygiene – brushing twice a day, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly even during stressful times, are crucial to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
